What can you do when a proposed bike trail encounters obstacles such as power poles.
This is a classic problem:
One solution is to split the trail into two five-foot one-way treads on either side of the obstacle. Less attractive if you have to do that 20 times around all the poles.
Ideally, the lines could be underground as it would also make for an aesthetic corridor. Some utilities have funds for undergrounding. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AAHSTO) permits going to 8' wide for short distances where no other options are available and use is not very heavy. AAHSTO also calls for a 5' minimum buffer between road and trail or a 42" minimum high barrier. The Minnesota Trails Design Manual shows a minimum 3' buffer.
Another solution might be to create a two-way buffered cycle track by taking out the curb and and using some of the shoulder of the road along with the grassy median-or alternatively pushing the curb out into the road by narrowing the traffic lanes though drainage reconfiguration might be a nightmare.
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) publishes the Urban Bikeway Design Guide. This guide is a blueprint for designing 21st century streets. The Guide unveils the toolbox and the tactics cities use to make streets safer, more livable, and more economically vibrant. The Guide outlines both a clear vision for complete streets and a basic road map for how to bring them to fruition.
The Federal Highway Administration's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program's Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide consolidates lessons learned from practitioners designing and implementing separated bike lanes throughout the U.S.
In any and all cases an engineer should be consulted to assure any solution is safe and functional.
Our Resources by State page explores training, articles, organization, and authors by state, which may be helpful.
posted May 24, 2021
Are there any graduate programs that are focused on trail planning, development, and design?
FAQ: Apps for Trail Management and Volunteers
posted May 19, 2021
Information on apps that can be used for trail management that would be suitable for volunteer-type organizations.
FAQ: What is the definition of a trail?
posted Jan 14, 2021
Defining a trail corridor in law, policy, and planning.
1,334 views • posted 07/17/2018